PSC authorizes Rochester Lateral natural‑gas main, approves preferred route and conditions

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin on Oct. 2, 2025 approved a construction authorization for the Rochester Lateral Project (RLP), permitting Wisconsin Electric Gas Operations to install approximately 33 miles of 24‑inch and 30‑inch steel natural gas transmission main across portions of Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee counties. The commission estimated the preferred‑route construction cost at $200,894,000, excluding allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC).

Chairperson Strand, who led the docket discussion, said the record shows growing near‑term natural‑gas demand tied to several generation projects and that the utility had “reasonably shown how this proposed RLP project will address those needs and the applicant's service obligations.” Strand invoked related approvals — the Oak Creek Combustion Turbine Project (OCCT), the Paris RICE project and an Oak Creek liquefied natural gas facility — and the applicant’s planned Elm Road generating station upgrade as context for the need.

Commissioners emphasized safety, environmental effects and cost allocation in choosing a preferred route. Strand said…